On Friday, April 12, AirChat, a new social media app that focuses on voice communication, was launched and quickly became the 23rd most popular app in the U.S. on Apple’s App Store by Monday, April 15. The app has garnered thousands of downloads and online requests for access, as it is currently available on an invite-only basis.
AirChat sets itself apart from other social media platforms with its unique feature of voice notes that play automatically and can be paused. Users can post, scroll through feeds, and privately message other users on the app. The design of the app is similar to other social media platforms, but with a focus on voice communication.
The app was founded by venture capitalist Naval Ravikant and former Tinder product chief Brian Norgard. AirChat aims to differentiate itself from other social media apps by emphasizing the use of natural voice for communication. Voice technology is becoming increasingly prevalent in consumers’ lives, with PYMNTS Intelligence reporting that voice is the next interface set to revolutionize how we interact with technology. According to their research, 58% of consumers find using voice easier and more convenient, while 54% appreciate its faster speed compared to typing or using a touchscreen.
In a recent example of voice technology integration, Volkswagen announced in January that it had incorporated OpenAI’s AI chatbot, ChatGPT, into their IDA voice assistant. This allows Volkswagen customers to access a growing AI database and have content read out to them while driving. Voice assistants have made strides in various areas such as smart home integration, education and business applications with advancements in AI making them capable of performing complex tasks